August the 23rd, 2025 – Varaždin in northwestern Croatia is home to the first and only topiary park in all of Croatia, and the second in Europe.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, in the peaceful little settlement of Sračinec near Varaždin lies a hidden little miracle shaped with scissors and imagination. Few know that this part of the Varaždin area is home to a topiary park, a place where nature becomes art. Thousands of green leaves have been transformed into figures of dinosaurs, angels and characters from all kinds of different stories. Many people have no idea that this is the first and only such park in Croatia, and the second in the whole of Europe.
Behind the project stands Vladimir Flegar, a lover of green sculpture, who turned his passion into a real calling in life. The story begins back in 1995 when, after losing his job, he decided to embark on a totally new path.
“When I got fired, I had to somehow manage. I couldn’t find a new job so I dedicated myself to the family farm and agriculture, I made souvenirs, and topiary was just a side hobby for me at first. I learned everything by myself,” recalled Flegar, who does everything by hand and with no tools at all.
Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL
Today, the Varaždin topiary park boasts around 400 green sculptures, and everything is made by hand with scissors and without any machines. “We work without the use of tools, molds, or nets. Each sculpture is formed from small pieces of clay, which requires a lot of patience and knowledge,” explained Vladimir.
Visitors can see a variety of thematic units, from dinosaurs, a train station, and an Angel House to the Holy Family. The park tells about 30 different stories through beautiful, totally natural green forms. Topiary art otherwise dates back to the time of ancient Rome, but there are only seven theme parks like this one in the whole world today. There is only one more in Europe outside of Varaždin, and that’s in the Belgian city of Durbuy.
With the constant growth in the number of sculptures, Vladimir and his wife Anica, who helps him with the work and maintenance, are busy planning additional facilities.
“We want to get permission to set up tents for weddings and other celebrations,” revealed Anica Flegar, who wants to strengthen the Varaždin topiary park’s position on the tourism map.
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